Without a moment’s needless delay, the earl quitted Nottingham Castle with his friends, who accompanied him to Chester.
Since the opportunity was offered Lord Derby of attending his father’s funeral, he caused the ceremonial to be performed on the following day, and laid the late earl’s remains in the vault beneath the Stanley Chapel in Ormskirk Church.
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VI
Colonel Rosworm
IN an inner room of an old black and white timber and plaster house situated in a street near the Collegiate Church in Manchester, were two persons.
One of them, whose accoutrements proclaimed him an officer of rank in the Parliamentary army, was Colonel Richard Holland, commander of the garrison and governor of the town. He had strongly marked features, and an authoritative manner, though on the present occasion he had somewhat relaxed his importance.
His companion, unmistakably a foreigner, was no other than the redoubted German engineer, of whom mention has been previously made.
Colonel Rosworm was about fifty, and had served under Wallenstein during the Thirty Years’ War. But he appeared none the worse for the hardships he had undergone. His cheeks had been gashed at the battle of Lutzen, but this circumstance only heightened the manly character of his physiognomy, and indeed the scar was almost hidden by a bushy red beard. Though his look was determined and somewhat stern, his manner was distinguished by military frankness.
He could not be called handsome but his features were well formed, and his figure strong and well-proportioned. He did not exceed the middle height, but bore himself so well that he looked tall.
Such was the famous German engineer, to whom the defence of Manchester against the Royalists and malignants, as they were termed, had been entrusted by those belonging to the Puritan faction. That he was equal to the task seemed now conclusively proved by the effectual manner in which he had fortified the town—surrounding it entirely with mud walls, and protecting the entrances with stout posts, chains, and barricades. Colonel Rosworm’s plan was entirely satisfactory to the Parliamentary governor of the town, and he gave it his unqualified commendation.
The house in which we find the engineer and the governor belonged to the former. He had occupied it ever since he arrived in the town from Ireland. It was a small habitation, but quite large enough for himself and his daughter. Colonel Rosworm was a widower, having lost his wife some years ago. But she had left him a most lovely girl, whom he guarded with as much vigilance as he would have done a fortress.
Gertrude Rosworm, at the period of our story, was just nineteen, and remarkable for her personal attractions. Her profuse flaxen locks, summer blue eyes, delicately fair complexion, and graceful figure won her many admirers among the youth of the town, but none of them were allowed by her jealous father to approach her. However, further description of her must be deferred till she appears on the scene.
Colonel Rosworm was closeted with the governor in a small room opening from the house place, which enjoyed the advantage of a bay window looking into the street.
The walls were garnished with pikes, swords, muskets, and petronels, and several pieces of armour and steel caps were hung up ready for use.
Colonel Rosworm wore a buff coat and boots, but had relieved himself of his sword and pistols. On the table beside them was a flask of claret and a couple of tall glasses.
They were talking of a banquet given some six weeks ago by a gentleman of Manchester to Lord Derby—then Lord Strange—at which time a tumult occurred in the town when several persons were killed.
“This disastrous affair may be regarded as the commencement of the Civil War in Manchester,” observed the governor. “But I do not think Lord Strange altogether in fault. The provocation came from our side, and I am thankful to say I had nothing to do with it.”
“The occurrence took place just before my arrival,” remarked Colonel Rosworm, who spoke the language perfectly, though with a strong German accent; “but it does not appear that Lord Strange had any designs upon the town.”